Just because other donors have struggled to lend successfully in the Pacific does not mean Australia is destined to fail. But the track record of loans in the region provides cause for caution.

Two leading Pacific academics, Tarcisius Kabutaulaka and Katerina Teaiwa, have criticised the security focus of Australia’s 'step up' in the Pacific.

This paper examines Antarctica today including recent Chinese, Indian and Russian activities in the East Antarctic region that Australia asserts sovereignty over. It also focuses on Australia’s national interests, current air operations and development intentions.

This analysis argues that real changes are taking place, both in Moscow’s approach towards the Asia-Pacific and in Russian foreign policy more generally. There is a demonstrably greater appetite to reach out to the countries and institutions of the Asia-Pacific region.

With careful thought and skilful diplomacy, Australia can navigate its way through the US–China confrontation, writes Paul Barratt.